2.3 Investigating Cell Specialization

Blood Cells Red Blood Cells: Bowl shaped and flexible to move through blood vessels (veins and arteries) Deliver oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide White Blood Cells: Irregular shape with pseudopodia that help trap invaders Protect body from invaders

Compact Bone Cells Dense and tightly grouped together Provide support for itself and organism

Root Cells Cells are long a tubular Absorb water Anchor the plant Vascular tissue: xylem and phloem in the middle of the specimen Xylem moves water and minerals Phloem moves simple sugars

Skeletal Muscle Cells Long and look like fibers bundled together Pull on tendons attached to bones Aid in voluntary movement: walking, bending etc.

Adipose Cells Large and round cells Make and store fat Provide insulation to prevent heat loss Provide protection and support around organs Store energy

Leaf Cells Guard cells regulate stoma Stoma exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide Stoma let out water vapor for transpiration Open during the day Closed at night

Nerve Cells Elongated with branching fibers Send and receive electrical and chemical messages around body Dendrites receive signals Axons send signals to other cells

Plant Epidermal Cells Make up outer layer of plant’s body Act as a boundary Absorb water and minerals Protect against transpiration Regular gas exchange for photosynthesis and cellular respiration